Symantec Endpoint Protection: Difference between revisions

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| caption = Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager GUI, version 14.2
| developer = [[Broadcom Inc.]]
| latest_release_version = 14.3 RU7RU9 (Build 968111216)
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|20232024|0306|24}}<ref>{{cite web|title=What's new for all releases of Symantec Endpoint Protection 14.x|url=https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/154575/release-versions-notes-new-fixes-and-sys.html|website=Release versions, notes, new fixes, and system requirements for Endpoint Security and all versions of Endpoint Protection|publisher=[Symantec]|date=17 November 2020}}</ref>
| latest_preview_version =
| latest_preview_date =
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| genre = [[Anti-malware]], [[intrusion prevention]] and [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]]
| license = [[Trialware]]
| website = {{urlURL|https://www.broadcom.com/products/cyber-security/endpoint}}
}}
'''Symantec Endpoint Protection''', developed by [[Broadcom Inc.]], is a security software suite that consists of [[anti-malware]], [[intrusion prevention]] and [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]] features for [[server (computing)|server]] and [[desktop computer|desktop]] computers.<ref name="two">{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Lawrence |date=November 2007 |title=Troubled Waters |volume=6 |work=CSO Magazine |publisher=[[CXO Media]] |issue=10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36}}</ref> It has the largest market-share of any product for [[endpoint security]].<ref name="gartner">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-3N82LG5&ct=161205&st=sb |title=Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms |last=Ouellet |first=Eric |last2=McShane |first2=Ian |date=30 January 2017 |website=gartner.com |publisher=[[Gartner]] |last3=Litan |first3=Avivah}}</ref>
 
==Version history==
The first release of Symantec Endpoint Protection was published in September 2007 and was called version 11.0.<ref name="Messmer 2007">{{cite web | last=Messmer | first=Ellen | title=Symantec revamps endpoint security product | website=Network World | date=24 September 2007 | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/814489/lan-wan-symantec-revamps-endpoint-security-product.html | access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> Endpoint Protection is the result of a merger of several security software products, including Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition 10.0, Client Security, Network Access Control, and Sygate Enterprise Edition.<ref name="Messmer 2007"/> Endpoint Protection also included new features.<ref name="Messmer 2007"/> For example, it can block data transfers to unauthorized device types, such as [[USB flash drive]]s or [[Bluetooth]] devices.<ref name="Messmer 2007"/>
SEMPER TIN GANA MENTU DEN WIKI PASO DE ZON KIM KIM EN DE WIND WAI WAI NIET
 
At the time, Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition was widely criticized as having become bloated and unwieldy.<ref name="two" /> Endpoint Protection 11.0 was intended to address these criticisms.<ref name="two">{{Cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36 |title=Troubled Waters |last=Walsh |first=Lawrence |date=November 2007 |work=CSO Magazine |publisher=[[CXO Media]] |issue=10 |volume=6}}</ref> The [[disk footprint]] of Symantec Corporate Edition 10.0 was almost 100 MB, whereas Endpoint Protection's was projected to be 21 MB.<ref name="two" />
Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security software suite that includes [[intrusion prevention]], [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]], and [[anti-malware]] features.<ref name="SearchSecurity20182">{{cite web | title=Symantec Endpoint Protection and the details for buyers to know | website=SearchSecurity | date=February 8, 2018 | url=http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/feature/Antimalware-protection-products-Symantec-Endpoint-Protection | access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> According to ''SC Magazine'', Endpoint Protection also has some features typical of [[data loss prevention]] software.<ref name="scmag" /> It is typically installed on a server running [[Windows]], [[Linux]], or [[macOS]].<ref name="one">{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmagazine.com/symantec-endpoint-protection-12-v121/review/6652/ |title=Symantec Endpoint Protection 12 v12.1 |last=Stephenson |first=Peter |date=1 August 2012 |work=SC Magazine |access-date=16 April 2017 |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group]]}}</ref> As of 2018, Version 14 is the only currently-supported release.<ref name="Symantec Enterprise Technical Support 2017">{{Cite web |url=https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH154475.html |title=Released versions of Symantec Endpoint Protection |date=16 March 2017 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]] |access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref>
 
In 2009, Symantec introduced a managed service, whereby Symantec staff deploy and manage Symantec Endpoint Protection installations remotely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2257821/security-vulnerability-mgmt/symantec-unveils-endpoint-protection-services.html |title=Symantec unveils endpoint protection services |last=Messmer |first=Ellen |date=23 June 2009 |website=[[Network World]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |access-date=3 May 2017 |archive-date=19 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519224646/https://www.networkworld.com/article/2257821/security-vulnerability-mgmt/symantec-unveils-endpoint-protection-services.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A Small Business Edition with a faster installation process was released in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.crn.com/features/security/222300110/security-in-20-minutes-really.htm |title=Security In 20 Minutes, Really |last=Moltzen |first=Edward |date=1 January 2010 |website=[[CRN (magazine)|CRN]] |publisher=The Channel Company}}</ref> In February 2011, Symantec announced version 12.0 of Endpoint Protection.<ref name="Messmer 2011">{{Cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2199769/network-security/symantec-looks-to-protect-users-from-mutating-malware.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816201424/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2199769/network-security/symantec-looks-to-protect-users-from-mutating-malware.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 August 2017 |title=Symantec looks to protect users from mutating malware |last=Messmer |first=Ellen |date=15 February 2011 |website=[[Network World]] |publisher=[[IDG]]}}</ref> Version 12 incorporated a cloud-based database of malicious files called Symantec Insight.<ref name="Messmer 2011" /> Insight was intended to combat [[malware]] that generates mutations of its files to avoid detection by [[Signature based detection|signature-based]] anti-malware software.<ref name="Messmer 2011" /> In late 2012, Symantec released version 12.1.2, which supports [[VMware]] vShield.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2161783/network-security/symantec-releases-first-anti-malware-software-to-work-with-vmware-vshield-security-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816192706/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2161783/network-security/symantec-releases-first-anti-malware-software-to-work-with-vmware-vshield-security-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 August 2017 |title=Symantec releases first anti-malware software to work with VMware vShield security system |last=Messmer |first=Ellen |date=3 December 2012 |website=[[Network World]] |publisher=[[IDG]]}}</ref>
Endpoint Protection scans computers for security threats.<ref name="SearchSecurity20182"/> It is used to prevent unapproved programs from running,<ref name="SearchSecurity20182"/> and to apply firewall policies that block or allow network traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO80961 |title=About the Symantec Endpoint Protection firewall |date=28 October 2016 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]]}}</ref> It attempts to identify and block malicious traffic in a corporate network or coming from a [[web browser]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO80870 |title=How intrusion prevention works |date=28 October 2016 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]]}}</ref> It uses aggregate information from users to identify malicious software.<ref name="scmag" /> As of 2016, Symantec claims to use data from 175 million devices that have installed Endpoint Security in 175 countries.<ref name="scmag" />
 
A cloud version of Endpoint Protection was released in September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.crn.com/news/security/300082061/symantec-rolls-out-new-cloud-based-endpoint-protection-solution-for-smbs.htm |title=Symantec Rolls Out New Cloud-Based Endpoint Protection Solution For SMBs |last=Kuranda |first=Sarah |date=13 September 2016 |website=[[CRN (magazine)|CRN]] |publisher=The Channel Company}}</ref> This was followed by version 14 that November.<ref name="Osborne 2016">{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/symantec-launches-endpoint-protection-solution-based-on-artificial-intelligence/ |title=Symantec launches endpoint protection solution based on artificial intelligence |last=Osborne |first=Charlie |date=1 October 2016 |website=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> Version 14 incorporates [[machine learning]] technology to find patterns in digital data that may be indicative of the presence of a cyber-security threat.<ref name="Osborne 2016" /> It also incorporates memory exploit mitigation and performance improvements.<ref name="gartner">{{Cite web |last=Ouellet |first=Eric |last2=McShane |first2=Ian |last3=Litan |first3=Avivah |date=30 January 2017 |title=Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms |url=https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-3N82LG5&ct=161205&st=sb |website=gartner.com |publisher=[[Gartner]]}}</ref>
 
==Features==
Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security software suite that includes [[intrusion prevention]], [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]], and [[anti-malware]] features.<ref name="SearchSecurity20182">{{cite web | title=Symantec Endpoint Protection and the details for buyers to know | website=SearchSecurity | date=February 8, 2018 | url=http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/feature/Antimalware-protection-products-Symantec-Endpoint-Protection | access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> According to ''SC Magazine'', Endpoint Protection also has some features typical of [[data loss prevention]] software.<ref name="scmag" /> It is typically installed on a server running [[Windows]], [[Linux]], or [[macOS]].<ref name="one">{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmagazine.com/symantec-endpoint-protection-12-v121/review/6652/ |title=Symantec Endpoint Protection 12 v12.1 |last=Stephenson |first=Peter |date=1 August 2012 |work=SC Magazine |access-date=16 April 2017 |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group]]}}</ref> As of 2018, Version 14 is the only currently-supported release.<ref name="Symantec Enterprise Technical Support 2017">{{Cite web |url=https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH154475.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923050424/https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH154475.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2016 |title=Released versions of Symantec Endpoint Protection |date=16 March 2017 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]] |access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref>
 
Endpoint Protection scans computers for security threats.<ref name="SearchSecurity20182"/> It is used to prevent unapproved programs from running,<ref name="SearchSecurity20182"/> and to apply firewall policies that block or allow network traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO80961 |title=About the Symantec Endpoint Protection firewall |date=28 October 2016 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> It attempts to identify and block malicious traffic in a corporate network or coming from a [[web browser]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO80870 |title=How intrusion prevention works |date=28 October 2016 |website=Enterprise Technical Support |publisher=[[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]]}}{{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> It uses aggregate information from users to identify malicious software.<ref name="scmag" /> As of 2016, Symantec claims to use data from 175 million devices that have installed Endpoint Security in 175 countries.<ref name="scmag" />
 
Endpoint Protection has an administrative console that allows the IT department to modify security policies for each department,<ref name="SearchSecurity20182"/> such as which programs or files to exclude from antivirus scans.<ref name="scmag" /> It does not manage mobile devices directly, but treats them as peripherals when connected to a computer and protects the computer from any malicious software on the mobile devices.<ref name="scmag" />
 
==Vulnerabilities==
In early 2012, [[source code]] for Symantec Endpoint Protection was stolen and published online.<ref name="Vijayan 2012">{{cite web | last=Vijayan | first=Jaikumar | title=Symantec confirms source code leak in two enterprise security products | website=Computerworld | date=6 January 2012 | url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2501007/cybercrime-hacking/symantec-confirms-source-code-leak-in-two-enterprise-security-products.html | access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> A hacker group called "[[Lords of Dharmaraja|The Lords of Dharmaraja]]" claimed credit, alleging the source code was stolen from Indian [[military intelligence]].<ref name="Akhtar 2012">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/that-stolen-symantec-source-code-its-for-older-enterprise-products/ |title=That stolen Symantec source code? It's for older enterprise products |last=Akhtar |first=Iyaz |date=6 January 2012 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> The Indian government requires vendors to submit the source code of any computer program being sold to the government, to ensure that they are not being used for [[espionage]].<ref name="Vijayan 2012"/> In July 2012, an update to Endpoint Protection caused compatibility issues, triggering a [[Blue Screen of Death]] on [[Windows XP]] machines running certain third-party [[file system]] [[Device driver|drivers]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.scmagazineuk.com/news/symantec-fixes-blue-screen-of-death-bug/article/546098/ |title=Symantec fixes 'blue screen of death' bug |last=Raywood |first=Dan |date=16 July 2012 |website=SC Magazine UK |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group]] |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref> In 2014, Offensive Security discovered an exploit in Symantec Endpoint Protection during a [[penetration test]] of a financial services organization.<ref name="Kirk 2014" /> The exploit in the Application and Device control driver allowed a logged-in user to get system access.<ref name="Kirk 2014">{{Cite web |url=httphttps://www.networkworldpcworld.com/article/2461981/security440690/symantec-patches-privilege-escalation-flaws-in-endpoint-protection.html |title=Symantec patches privilege escalation flaws in Endpoint Protection |last=Kirk |first=Jeremy |date=5 August 2014 |website=[[Network World]] |publisher=[[IDG]]}}</ref> It was patched that August.<ref name="Kirk 2014" /> In 2019, Ofir Moskovitch, a Security Researcher discovered a Race Condition bug which involves 2 Critical Symantec Endpoint Protection Client Core Components: Client Management & Proactive Threat Protection and directly results in Protection Mechanism Failure that can lead to a Self-Defense Bypass, aka "SEMZTPTN" - Symantec Endpoint Minimized Timed Protection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOzYF8qeSHOmCjixOMav3cT2-xG76gtKQ|title=Symantec Endpoint Protection Vulnerability|website=YouTube}}</ref>
 
==Reception==
According to [[Gartner]], Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 is one of the more comprehensive endpoint security products available and regularly scores well in independent tests.<ref name="gartner" /> However, a common criticism is that customers are "fatigued" by "near constant changes" in the product and company direction.<ref name="gartner" /> ''SC Magazine'' said Endpoint Protection 14 was the "most comprehensive tool of its type . . . with superb installation and documentation."<ref name="scmag">{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmagazine.com/symantec-endpoint-protection-14/review/7116/ |title=Symantec Endpoint Protection 14 |last=Stephenson |first=Peter |date=22 August 2016 |work=SC Magazine |access-date=20 April 2017 |publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group]]}}</ref> The review said EndPoint Protection had a "no-brainer setup and administration," but it does have a "wart" that support fees are "a bit steep."<ref name="scmag" />
 
[[Forrester Research|Forrester]] said version 12.1 was the most complete endpoint security software product on the market, but the different IT security functions of the software were not well-integrated.<ref name="forrester">{{Cite web |url=https://www.forrester.com/report/The+Forrester+Wave+Endpoint+Security+Suites+Q4+2016/-/E-RES113145 |title=The Forrester Wave: Endpoint Security Suites, Q4 2016 |last=Sherman |first=Chris |last2=McClean |first2=Christopher |date=19 October 2016 |last3=Schiano |first3=Salvatore |last4=Dostie |first4=Peggy}}</ref> The report speculated the lack of integration would be addressed in version 14.<ref name="forrester" /> ''Network World'' ranked Symantec Endpoint Protection sixth in endpoint security products, based on data from NSS Labs testing.<ref name="Smith 2017">{{Cite web |url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/3170114/security/nss-labs-rated-13-advanced-endpoint-security-products-flagged-2-with-caution-rating.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215195243/http://www.networkworld.com/article/3170114/security/nss-labs-rated-13-advanced-endpoint-security-products-flagged-2-with-caution-rating.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2017 |title=NSS Labs rated 13 advanced endpoint security products, flagged 2 with caution rating |date=15 February 2017 |website=[[Network World]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |access-date=18 April 2017}}</ref>
 
==References==